Prisons, Punishment and the Pursuit of Security
Deborah Drake - Palgrave Macmillan, 2012
Anteprima |
Nation
states around the globe are struggling with increasing concerns over
human and global insecurity. Within this climate crime and criminal
justice policies in many countries have become key areas of political
focus, with the prison poised to play an important role in security
strategies. This book problematises the persistent use of prisons and
punishment and their role in pursuing higher levels of human security.
Drawing on extensive, qualitative research in men's long-term,
maximum-security prisons in England, questions are raised about the
means by which security is pursued. The book argues against the use of
severe sanctions as a means through which to calm public fears, achieve
greater political legitimacy, and improve public security. By
considering problems of security alongside those of long-term prisons,
the book grapples with thorny and perennial problems associated with
violence, vengeance and calls for punishment.